August | 2012 | A Taste of Morning

When we moved into our house twelve years ago, this American Linden tree (a.k.a. Basswood tree) was a scrawny specimen. I could reach up with a pair of clippers and prune out competing leaders. I did my best to shape this tree in its formative years, but now it is in the neighborhood of 30 feet tall (give or take). Not realizing how quickly it would grow, when we moved in, I planted sun-loving perennials near the tree. I should have known better. Now I am trying to find other locations in the garden for those very same plants as they are in shade too much of the day. If it grows to full size, this tree could reach 70 feet tall and 50 feet wide. Then I would really have to rethink my garden!

One of our guests recently gave me a bunch of young zucchinis from her garden. (Thank you, Madonna!) After serving Zucchini Pancakes, Zucchini & Roasted Chicken Omelettes, and Zucchini Bread for breakfast over several different mornings, I decided that it was time for zucchini at a different meal. For lunch today, I made Zucchini and Chickpea Risotto. It was a sunny and delicious dish for a gray, humid day.

Ingredients: Arborio Rice, Olive Oil, Minced Shallots, Vegetable Stock, Chickpeas, Zucchinis, Red Pepper Flakes, Dry White Wine, Butter, Lemon Juice, Grated Parmesan Cheese. For instructions on making risotto, see my earlier post Ah … Risotto. Have fun making your own risotto! Feel free to be creative!